An outbreak of Acinetobacter baumannii: the importance of cross-transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an outbreak of nosocomial infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and to analyze the contribution of cross-transmission in the rise in infection rates. DESIGN: Epidemiological investigation; molecular typing using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE); matched case-control study to identify risk factors for infection. SETTNG: A 34-bed surgical intensive care unit at a tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients who developed MDRA baumannii nosocomial infection were matched to 36 patients who were admitted to the same surgical intensive care unit (SICU) room and did not develop an infection during the outbreak period. RESULTS: Prior to the outbreak, the baseline attack rate of MDR A baumannii nosocomial infections was 3 per 100 patients per month. From February 1 through March 22, 1998, the attack rate rose to 16 per 100 patients per month, with a total of 18 infections. All isolates had indistinguishable PFGE patterns. Seventy environmental cultures were negative for MDR A baumannii. Following intense infection control education, the attack rate decreased to 4 per 100 patients per month. By conditional logistic regression, cases were exposed to a significantly higher number of patients with MDR A baumannii infections compared to controls (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.2; P=.02), even after adjusting for length of SICU admission and exposure to antibiotics and invasive devices. CONCLUSION: Cross-transmission between patients contributed to the rise in rates of MDRA baumannii infections. A common environmental source was not detected.     

Healthcare-associated outbreak due to pan-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a surgical intensive care unit

Acinetobacter baumannii is ubiquitous and has recently become one of the most important healthcare-associated (HA) pathogens in hospitals. Infection caused by this organism often leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Outbreaks of pan-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (PDRAB) have rarely been reported. During a two-month period, an outbreak of PDRAB colonization and infection affecting 7 patients occurred in our surgical intensive care unit (SICU). The colonized sites were respiratory tract (N = 7) and central venous catheter (N = 2). One of the patients had a surgical wound infection. Extensive environmental contamination was identified, including sites such as bed rails, bedside tables, surface of ventilators and infusion pump, water for nasogastric feeding and ventilator rinsing and sinks. All of the isolates were analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and showed an identical pattern. After use of strict cohort nursing, hand hygiene environmental cleaning, and replacement of a dysfunctional high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA), the outbreak was controlled.     

Investigation of an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in trauma intensive care unit

Between January and June 2002, an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii occurred in a trauma intensive care unit (TICU) at the Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. The outbreak involved 21 patients whose infection/colonization was hospital acquired. All the strains were resistant to all tested antibiotics except amikacin. An A. baumannii strain with a similar antibiogram was isolated from the environment, equipment and hands of healthcare workers (HCWs). The technique of open suctioning probably resulted in aerosilization and contamination of the immediate patient environment. This allowed the hands of HCWs to be contaminated with the outbreak strain, with subsequent transmission to other patients and their environment. Lack of proper hand hygiene between patients and equipment contact facilitated this transmission. A review of hand hygiene practices, extensive environmental cleaning, a closed suctioning system, education and review of other infection-control practices, contributed to the termination of the outbreak.     

ICU多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌医院感染的同源性分析 FREE

目的对某院重症监护室（ICU）流行的多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌感染进行同源性分析。方法收集该ICU鲍曼不动杆菌感染流行期间住院患者标本中分离的9株以及环境中分离的24株鲍曼不动杆菌,采用基因外重复回文序列聚合酶链反应（REP PCR）技术对其进行基因分析,建立DNA指纹图谱;同时应用K B纸片扩散法进行药敏试验。结果9株临床分离的鲍曼不动杆菌共分为4个基因型,其中E1和E2型分别有4株和3株,E3和E4型各1株;环境样本分离的24株中,17株属E1型。药敏结果显示,临床分离株均为多重耐药株,环境分离株中19株为多重耐药株。结论此次ICU多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌感染的流行主要是由E1和E2基因型在患者之间的相互传播所致,同时患者所处环境也被明显污染。     

Control of an outbreak of pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii colonization and infection in a neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential reservoir and mode of transmission of pandrug-resistant (PDR) Acinetobacter baumannii in a 7-day-old neonate who developed PDR A. baumannii bacteremia that was presumed to be the iceberg of a potential outbreak. DESIGN: Outbreak investigation based on a program of prospective hospital-wide surveillance for nosocomial infection. SETTING: A 24-bed neonatal intensive care unit in a 2,200-bed major teaching hospital in Taiwan that provides care for critically ill neonates born in this hospital and those transferred from other hospitals. INTERVENTIONS: Samples from 33 healthcare workers' hands and 40 samples from the environment were cultured. Surveillance cultures of anal swab specimens and sputum samples were performed for neonates on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and every 2 weeks until discharge. The PDR A. baumannii isolates, defined as isolates resistant to all currently available systemic antimicrobials except polymyxin B, were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Control measures consisted of implementing contact isolation, reinforcing hand hygiene adherence, cohorting of nurses, and environmental cleaning. RESULTS: One culture of an environmental sample and no cultures of samples from healthcare workers' hands grew PDR A. baumannii. The positive culture result involved a sample obtained from a ventilation tube used by the index patient. During the following 2 months, active surveillance identified PDR A. baumannii in 8 additional neonates, and isolates from 7 had the same electrokaryotype. Of the 9 neonates colonized or infected with PDR A. baumannii, 1 died from an unrelated condition. Reinforcement of infection control measures resulted in 100% adherence to proper hand hygiene protocol. The outbreak was stopped without compromising patient care. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of environmental contamination, transient hand carriage by personnel who cared for neonates colonized or infected with PDR A. baumannii was suspected to be the mode of transmission. Vigilance, prompt intervention and strict adherence to hand hygiene protocol were the key factors that led to the successful control of this outbreak. Active surveillance appears to be an effective measure to identify potential transmitters and reservoirs of PDR A. baumannii.     

Molecular findings and antibiotic-resistance in an outbreak of Acinetobacter baumannii in an intensive care unit

We investigated an outbreak of Acinetobacter baumannii in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in Rome, Italy. The outbreak involved 14 patients whose isolates were most frequently recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage. All isolates were multidrug-resistant and showed diminished susceptibility or resistance to carbapenems. A. baumannii strains with a similar antibiotic susceptibility pattern were isolated from the environment. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis identified a single clone from both the patients' and environmental isolates. Because of the lack of a single source of infection, the eradication of the epidemic required a broad approach, including contact isolation and cohorting, aggressive environmental disinfection, and close monitoring of the ward staff's performance. Infected patients were successfully treated with combined therapy. Although considered of low virulence, A. baumannii can be particularly aggressive and difficult to treat in ICU patients.     

重症监护室鲍曼不动杆菌肺部感染暴发调查与控制

目的探讨重症监护室(ICU)鲍曼不动杆菌肺部感染暴发流行的原因、控制感染的有效措施,以减少类似医院感染事件的发生。方法采取前瞻性和回顾性相结合的调查方法对在ICU目标性监测中2周内出现的7例聚集性鲍曼不动杆菌肺部感染病例进行流行病学调查和环境卫生学监测,分析各种危险因素并采取相应的防控措施控制感染。结果ICU 泛耐药鲍曼不动杆菌感染罹患率达28.00%(7/25); ICU环境存在污染,痰培养鲍曼不动杆菌与环境中分离的鲍曼不动杆菌药敏试验结果耐药谱相似。经采取相关措施后,ICU鲍曼不动杆菌感染得到有效控制。结论ICU环境污染导致此次鲍曼不动杆菌肺部感染流行。环境清洁能够预防控制鲍曼不动杆菌感染的暴发流行。     

Control of an outbreak of multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in an intensive care unit and a surgical ward

We describe an outbreak of multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB) that occurred in an intensive care unit (ICU) and a surgical ward from December 2003 to March 2004. Mapping patient movements on a timeline indicated that the outbreak was confined to these two areas. Investigation by the hospital's infection prevention service found that a possible source of spread was improper cleaning methods used on respiratory equipment. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of available isolates indicated the presence of two distinct strains. One strain was seen in patients from the ICU and the other strain was seen in the surgical ward patients. Cleaning and environmental decontamination as well as staff education were implemented to halt further immediate spread. The deficiencies identified during the investigation were also resolved. The final outcome was the successful termination of this outbreak.     

Investigation and management of an outbreak of multidrug-carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Cambridge, UK

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to carbapenems (MRAB-C) has become endemic in many hospitals in the UK. We describe an outbreak of MRAB-C that occurred on two intensive care units using ORION criteria (Outbreak Reports and Intervention studies Of Nosocomial infection). All patients colonised or infected with MRAB-C were included. Enhanced infection control precautions were introduced in Phase 1 of the outbreak. The adult neurosciences critical care unit (NCCU) was partially closed in Phase 2 and strict patient segregation, barrier nursing and screening thrice weekly was introduced. When control was achieved, NCCU was reopened (Phase 3) with post-discharge steam cleaning and monthly cleaning of extract and supply vents. There were 19 cases, 16 on NCCU and three on the general intensive care unit (ICU). Mean age was 52 years, with six cases being female. All patients were mechanically ventilated and ten had either an extraventricular drain or intracranial pressure monitoring device in place. Four patients developed a bacteraemia, with one further case of ventriculitis. Nine patients had no clinical evidence of infection and four were identified initially on screening. Ten patients were treated; there were eight deaths. Environmental samples showed heavy contamination throughout NCCU. MRAB-C affects critically ill patients and is associated with high mortality. This outbreak was controlled by early involvement of management, patient segregation, screening of patients and the environment, and increased hand hygiene environmental cleaning and clinical vigilance. A multidisciplinary approach to outbreak control is mandatory.     

医院环境中物体表面碳青霉烯耐药鲍曼不动杆菌污染及同源性分析

目的调查某院重点部门物体表面碳青霉烯耐药鲍曼不动杆菌污染情况及其同源性。方法对该院重症监护室(ICU)、急诊重症监护室(EICU)、血液透析室、手术室进行环境卫生学监测,采用肠杆菌科基因间重复序列聚合酶链反应(ERIC-PCR),对ICU、EICU环境中污染的条件致病菌鲍曼不动杆菌进行扩增分型。结果除EICU医务人员手卫生结果达标外,ICU及EICU各检测项目细菌计数均不达标;血液透析室及手术室采样标本均合格。ICU、EICU物体表面共采集标本53份,检出鲍曼不动杆菌7株,检出率为13.21%;此7株菌均为碳青霉烯耐药鲍曼不动杆菌,其中6株基因型相同,与患者痰中分离的鲍曼不动杆菌基因型相同。结论该院重点部门环境中物体表面分离的碳青霉烯耐药鲍曼不动杆菌具有同源性,应加强其环境物体表面清洁与消毒,降低医院感染的发生。     

Acquisition and spread of Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in intensive care patients

Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are increasingly important pathogens, especially in the intensive care units (ICUs). This study was designed to investigate the clonality, the mode of transmission and the patients' risk profile for acquisition of A. baumannii and S. maltophilia at the ICU of an Italian Hospital. Patterns of A. baumannii and S. maltophilia acquisition in the ICU during the period of the survey were carriage, colonization and infection. Characterization of A. baumannii was performed by ARDRA and genotyping of both pathogens by PFGE. Our study provided evidence for the occurrence of an outbreak sustained by the two organisms in study involving 27.3% of patients enrolled into the surveillance. The spread of a unique A. baumannii epidemic clone was demonstrated. A major clone of S. maltophilia was responsible for the epidemic spread of S. maltophilia (55.5% of isolates), thus confirming A. baumannii cross-transmission and showing--among few published reports--the clonal spread of S. maltophilia. Outliers analysis suggested colonized patients as the probable epidemic sources. Mechanical ventilation was confirmed as risk factor for infection (OR 8.4; 95%C.I.: 2.6-27.5). A multimodal intervention program was introduced, followed in later months with a drastic restriction of infection and colonization due to A. baumannii and S. maltophilia and subsequently with the successful control of the outbreak. Active surveillance of infection and colonization by high-risk clones, together with implementation of control strategies, including strict hand hygiene, proved to be effective to reduce the epidemic spread of both alert pathogens in our ICU.     

Investigation of an outbreak of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in an intensive care burns unit.

Over a three month period there was an outbreak of infection, due to a multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in the intensive care burns unit with spread of infection to other patients, both within the unit and elsewhere in the hospital.Microbiological sampling of the environment and of the healthcare workers' (HCWs) hands were carried out. Strain relatedness of the isolates was confirmed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis.Fifteen patients were involved in the outbreak, whose infections were all hospital-acquired. The burns room environment was contaminated with the A. baumannii, as was the door handle of the door leading from the ante-chamber between both rooms. This allowed the hands of HCWs to be contaminated by A. baumannii despite appropriate handwashing procedures prior to leaving the rooms. Two staff members were colonized with A. baumannii. One HCW who was directly involved in patient care was found to be "heavily" colonized, the other, with less patient contact, was only "lightly" colonized. Review of handwashing practices revealed that chlorhexidine/alcohol hand wash solution was not used by the HCW whose hands were heavily colonized.A combination of a review of handwashing practice, education about the spread of bacteria via hands and contaminated environment, and the revision of infection control procedures in the unit contributed to a prompt termination of the outbreak.     

Risk factors for epidemic Xanthomonas maltophilia infection/colonization in intensive care unit patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for and modes of transmission of Xanthomonas maltophilia infection/colonization. DESIGN: Surveillance and cohort study. SETTING: A 470-bed tertiary trauma-referral community hospital. PATIENTS: From January 1, 1988 to March 17, 1989, 106 intensive care unit patients developed X maltophilia infection/colonization. We defined a case as any intensive care unit patient who, from July 15, 1988, through March 17, 1989 (epidemic period), had X maltophilia infection/colonization greater than or equal to 48 hours after intensive care unit admission. We identified 45 case patients and 103 control patients (persons in the shock-trauma intensive care unit for greater than or equal to 72 hours during the epidemic period who had no X maltophilia-positive culture). RESULTS: Cases were significantly more likely to occur in the shock-trauma intensive care unit than in all other intensive care units combined. Mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, being transported to the hospital by airplane, and receipt of a higher mean number of antimicrobials were risk factors for X maltophilia infection/colonization. Risk of X maltophilia infection/colonization was significantly greater among cases exposed to a patient with a X maltophilia surgical wound infection than among those without such exposure (relative risk = 1.3, p = .03). Animate and inanimate cultures revealed X maltophilia contamination of the hospital room of a patient with an X maltophilia surgical wound infection, of respiratory therapy equipment in this patient's room, of respirometers shared between patients, and of shock-trauma intensive care unit personnel's hands. Related environmental and clinical isolates were serotype 10. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanically ventilated patients receiving antimicrobials in the shock-trauma intensive care unit were at increased risk of X maltophilia infection/colonization. Patients with draining X maltophilia surgical wound infections served as reservoirs for X maltophilia, and contamination of the respirometers and the hands of shock-trauma intensive care unit personnel resulted in patient-to-patient transmission of X maltophilia.     

Control of an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus colonization and infection in an intensive care unit (ICU) without closing the ICU or placing patients in isolation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the control of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus (MDRABC) colonization and infection in an intensive care unit (ICU). SETTING: An 18-bed ICU in a large tertiary care teaching hospital in London. INTERVENTIONS: After recognition of the outbreak, a range of infection control measures were introduced over several months that were primarily aimed at reducing environmental contamination with the outbreak strain. Strategies included use of a closed tracheal suction system for all patients receiving mechanical ventilation, use of nebulized colistin for patients with evidence of mild to moderate ventilator-associated pneumonia, improved availability of alcohol for hand decontamination, and clearer designation of responsibilities and strategies for cleaning equipment and the environment in the proximity of patients colonized or infected with MDRABC. RESULTS: The outbreak lasted from June 2001 through November 2002 and involved 136 new cases of MDRABC infection or colonization. The number of newly diagnosed cases per month reached a maximum of 15 in February 2002, and the number of new cases slowly decreased over the next 9 months. CONCLUSION: This outbreak was controlled by emphasizing the control of environmental reservoirs and did not require recourse to ward closure or placement of affected patients in isolation.     

Investigation of a nosocomial outbreak of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase VEB-1-producing isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in a hospital setting

A nosocomial outbreak of epidemiologically related VEB-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii occurred in 33 patients in an intensive care unit. A case-control study identified previous treatment with third-generation cephalosporins as the only risk factor for A. baumannii acquisition. Rationale for antibiotic use should be strengthened.     

重症监护室泛耐药鲍曼不动杆菌感染暴发流行调查与控制对策

目的 研究重症监护室泛耐药鲍曼不动杆菌(PDR-AB)感染危险因素及控制措施.方法 采用现场采样检验和药敏试验方法,对某医院呼吸重症监护室(RICU) 一起下呼吸道泛耐药鲍曼不动杆菌杆菌暴发流行事件进行调查.结果 该医院重症监护室2010年8月24日～12月13日期间连续发生了6例下呼吸道医院感染病例.经药敏试验证明,所检出的鲍曼不动杆菌对临床常用22种抗菌药物中的20余种耐药,且耐药谱相同或相近.经对室内空气及环境表面采样检验,在床具栏杆、呼吸机面板、护士办公室电话机表面等均检出(PDR-AB).结论 此次泛耐药鲍曼不动杆菌感染来源于RICU环境污染,呈广泛耐药性,经医护人员手传播,经过积极治疗病人,采用消毒隔离,强化环境清洁与消毒措施,有效控制了感染流行.     

Epidemiologic investigation of Burkholderia cepacia acquisition in two pediatric intensive care units.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate and describe an outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and to report the interventions leading to the cessation of the outbreak. DESIGN: We conducted an epidemiologic investigation of an outbreak of B. cepacia colonization or infection in two clinical wards during a 35-month period (December 1998 to October 2001). SETTING: A 500-bed, university hospital-affiliated, tertiary-care pediatric institution in Paris, France, with a 22-bed PICU and 31-bed NICU. METHODS: Ribotyping was used to determine the genotypes of B. cepacia isolates. Procedures for the maintenance and disinfection of respiratory therapy devices were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-two children were colonized (n = 14) or infected (n = 18) by B. cepacia in 2 wards (28 in the PICU and 4 in the NICU). In the PICU, a single ribotype was found among the isolates obtained from all of the patients except 1, and from the 6 isolates obtained from respiratory therapy devices (ie, heated humidifier water). In the NICU, the isolates obtained from the patients harbored a single ribotype unrelated to that of the epidemic strain isolated in the PICU; no environmental source of infection was found. CONCLUSION: Two different outbreaks appeared to be associated with 2 ribotypes, 1 of which was linked to patient-to-patient transmission via respiratory therapy devices. Complete elimination of the outbreak was achieved only when disposable, sterilizable, or easy-to-disinfect materials were used in the PICU. The source of infection in the NICU was not found.     

Environmental contamination during a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in an intensive care unit

During a three-month period in 1999, 25 strains of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated from 12 of 170 hospitalized intensive care unit (ICU) patients, of which 16 were considered to be clinically significant. These strains were indistinguishable by biotyping and antibiograms, but genotyping was not performed. Appropriate antibiotic treatment, isolation precautions, and infection control education of the staff failed to halt the outbreak. Environmental contamination was therefore investigated, and A. baumannii was found out in 22 (39.3%) of 56 environmental samples obtained by swabbing. Different antibiotic sensitivity patterns were obtained in the majority of these isolates, but four (7.1%) of the strains were found to have the same sensitivity pattern as the strain causing the outbreak. As a result the ICU was closed, equipment and the environment cleaned, with hypochlorite and terminal disinfection carried out. No bacteria were grown on repeat environmental cultures. Environmental contamination has an important reservoir role in outbreaks of A. baumannii in ICUs and must be eradicated in order to overcome such outbreaks.     

Outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection in a neonatal intensive care unit epidemiologically linked to a healthcare worker with chronic otitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the investigation and interventions necessary to contain an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). DESIGN: Retrospective case finding that involved prospective performance of surveillance cultures for detection of MRSA and molecular typing of MRSA by repetitive-sequence polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR). SETTING: Level III NICU in a tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Three neonates in a NICU were identified with MRSA bloodstream infection on April 16, 2004. A point prevalence survey identified 6 additional colonized neonates (attack rate, 75% [9 of 12 neonates]). The outbreak strain was phenotypically unusual. INTERVENTIONS: Cohorting and mupirocin therapy were initiated for neonates who had acquired MRSA during the outbreak. Contact precautions were introduced in the NICU, and healthcare workers (HCWs) were retrained in cleaning and disinfection procedures and hand hygiene. Noncolonized neonates and newly admitted patients had surveillance cultures performed 3 times per week. RESULTS: Two new colonized neonates were identified 1 month later. HCW X, who had worked in the NICU since June 2003, was identified as having chronic otitis. MRSA was isolated from cultures of swab specimens from HCW X's ear canal and nares. HCW X was epidemiologically linked to the outbreak. Molecular typing (by rep-PCR) confirmed that the isolates from HCW X and from the neonates were more than 90% similar. Retrospective review of NICU isolates revealed that the outbreak strain was initially cultured from a neonate 2 months after HCW X began working on the unit. The epidemic strain was eradicated after removing HCW X from patient care in the NICU. CONCLUSION: An outbreak of MRSA colonization and infection in a NICU was epidemiologically linked to a HCW with chronic otitis externa and nasal colonization with MRSA. Eradication was not achieved until removal of HCW X from the NICU. Routine surveillance for MRSA may have allowed earlier recognition of the outbreak and is now standard practice in our NICU.     

ICU多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌医院感染暴发流行病学调查

目的调查某院重症监护室（ICU）发生的多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌医院感染暴发的原因。方法采用前瞻性和回顾性调查相结合的方法,对2012年1月25日-2月10日该院ICU发生的10例下呼吸道感染多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌患者进行流行病学调查。结果10例患者痰培养分离的鲍曼不动杆菌,除对头孢哌酮/舒巴坦全敏感,左氧氟沙星中度敏感外,对其他16种抗菌药物基本耐药;7例患者经治疗好转后转出ICU,3例死亡。共采集环境标本（未做清洁前）104份,其中从水龙头、治疗车、床头柜、雾化器管道、呼吸机管道和呼吸机操作屏、医务人员手等16份标本分离到鲍曼不动杆菌;16份环境标本分离的鲍曼不动杆菌耐药谱与痰培养菌株一致。经采取综合性控制措施,很好地控制了疫情。结论此次ICU多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌医院感染暴发流行与医务人员手及医疗环境污染密切相关。